A falcon named Wanda

The mascot of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will accompany the world’s largest multi-sport event next year. She already made her first public appearance at the Olympic Games in Paris, causing a sensation.

Why a falcon? The peregrine falcon is a true cosmopolitan and feels at home almost anywhere in the world. This cosmopolitanism and universality are a perfect match for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, an event that brings together athletes from all over the world.

At the same time, Wanda also reflects the local connection to the Rhine-Ruhr region. Originally, the rocky landscapes of the low mountain ranges were the habitat of the peregrine falcon in North Rhine-Westphalia, but the graceful bird now mainly inhabits the industrial landscape along the Rhine and in the Ruhr region. With a speed of over 320 km/h, the peregrine falcon is also the fastest animal in the world and thus symbolises the high performance achieved at the Games.

A name chosen by the fans

The German word for peregrine falcon is “Wanderfalke”. Wander and Wanda are pronounced almost the same way.  Wanda was therefore one of 50 names put forward by the staff of the FISU World University Games Organising Committee. Four names were shortlisted and finally presented to the community on Instagram for voting who named the mascot of the 2025 FISU World University Games Wanda.

Wanda wanders in Paris

In Paris last week, Wanda already explored some of the venues of the Olympic Games and has already gotten people curious about the next big sporting event. Whether at the Eiffel Tower, at the various Olympic sites or in the German House in the presence of North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Hendrik Wüst – Wanda could be seen everywhere, soaking up the international flair of this multi-sport event and spreading anticipation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

During the twelve days of competition, the student athletes will not only compete for medals, but also strengthen the sense of community, promote intercultural exchange and drive innovation in the areas of sustainability and business. Wanda, the mascot, will accompany them and carry the message of cosmopolitanism, universality and top sporting performance out into the world. Wanda has already gathered numerous fans with her first appearance.